News

Let’s Declare Independence from Congestion

WRAL had a nice story on the 4th about the progress of 540 construction in eastern Wake County. When complete in 2028, this will mark the creation of a full 70 mile long, 70 MPH beltway for the capital city and county. I offered a few remarks on behalf of the regional business community as part of the story, where I noted that the new turnpike will allow travelers to “declare independence from congestion” while providing more access to talent and more connectivity in our market.

Transportation Commerce taxes have begun

The NC TEN Commission, led by Senator Vickie Sawyer of Iredell County, has developed several recommendations for additional revenue for transportation. I was pleased to serve on that group in 2022. One recommendation, which was incorporated into law as part of the state budget act in 2023, was a transportation commerce tax on rides taken via taxis and transportation network companies (e.g., shared ride services like Uber and Lyft). The tax took effect earlier this week; learn more in this week’s blog.

Enjoy America’s birthday — there is much more to come this month

Happy Independence Day to all RTA members and partners. Whether you are staying at home in the metropolitan Triangle, traveling to our mountains or beaches, visiting friends and family through the roads, rails, or skies, I hope you are having/have a great 4th of July weekend. There is a lot more happening with transportation in the Triangle and North Carolina as the calendar turns to July, but it can wait until after the holiday.

Let’s get moving,

Joe Milazzo II, PE
RTA executive director